Why have so many celebrities turned to drugs and alcohol over fitness and nutrition?  The private yet troubling lives of the rich and famous are portrayed as glamorous and affluent when many times their lives are the exact opposite. Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger Brittany Murphy, DJ AM, and Billy Mays.  Google any one of the names above and anti-depressants or illegal drugs comes attached to their deaths.

Today, many individuals believe depression can be cured with a pill.  The idea that self-medication is easier than confronting one’s problems by eliciting the help of family, friends, or health professionals has become commonplace in our society. Psychiatrists and pharmaceutical companies are now working side by side to “help” depressed individuals by prescribing newly developed anti-depressants, promising to eliminate both the physiological and psychological effects associated with depression.

The problem starts when celebrities turn legal substance use into problem drug abuse. Overdosing on anti- depressants with the addition of binge drinking or other drugs only amplifies the sedative effects of the drug. Take, for example, Heath Ledger. “Heath Ledger died from an accidental overdose of prescription medications including painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills” reported CNN.com of his death in January of 2009.  The report also included stressful activities that were going on in his life that caused him to turn to drugs to solve some of his apparent problems.

Instead of following in these celebrities footsteps try starting 2010 with a different approach. Choosing fitness and nutrition over drugs and alcohol would win the battle of substance abuse and closet deviance that are hidden from the public eye.  Although Michael Jackson and others chose this route you can take steps to a more positive lifestyle.

I challenge you to take the 2010 bpure approach to health and wellness,

1. Start each day with a positive thought. A positive thought’s prepares you mind to handles the days challenges with motivation and enthusiasm.
2. Give yourself 5 to 10 minutes to stretch and meditate on the day’s events.  Stretching helps move oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and brain.
3. Eat a balanced breakfast. This is the most important meal of the day! It arms your body with the calories it needs to jumpstart your morning.
4. Go for a nice stroll or jog to release those feel good endorphins whenever you have a 20 min break. The time by yourself will allow you to reflect on your accomplishments and set small goals for the future. This allows you to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle. This is your quiet time for yourself, so cherish it and accept that its ok, you deserve it.
5. Plan an activity with a friend or family member each week. Spending time with people who care about you is important and strengthens your relationship with people you trust.
6. Deal with problems and issues during the day so that you can rest at night. Giving your body at least 7 hours of sleep keeps you energized for the next day.
7. Enjoy what life has given you! Don’t stress over things that you cannot control and always remember to look at the bigger picture. Be grateful for what you have and choose realistic goals for yourself and 2010 will be great for you.